Introduction
Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR) as Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for leprosy has been recommended by the World Health organization since 2018, in its guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of leprosy.
SDR-PEP contributes to interruption of transmission of Mycobacterium (M.) leprae by reducing the risk of developing leprosy in contacts of leprosy patients, preventing further spread of M. leprae and thus decreasing the incidence of new infections and diminishing long-term psychosocial and economic consequences of the disease. (COLEP study)
Although SDR-PEP has been successfully implemented as part of routine leprosy control programmes in many countries, implementation still needs to be initiated or scaled up in others. (LPEP Program)
In a series of ten online meetings, from April 2025 – May 2026, the GPZL SDR-PEP subgroup worked on getting a better understanding of the enablers, and barriers of SDR-PEP implementation and how to address these. The group shared lessons learned from ILEP members and other stakeholders that have built up valuable experience with PEP implementation.
This toolkit brings together what was addressed in this series of meetings: materials, tools, and key documents developed based on experience gained from projects and programmes implemented across diverse leprosy-endemic settings and contexts.
The Toolkit will be updated with new materials when they become available.